Kariangachira St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox CathedralOne of the oldest churches in our church.
The anniversary of the consecration as Bishop of Mor Gregorios Joseph Kochu
Thirumeni will be held here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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This week, during your prayer times, focus on being in the moment. Let these
words wrap themselves around your heart: "Be still. Know that I am God." Let
the power of His presence flood you, filling you with confidence, peace,
boldness. ...

What is a priest? A man who holds the place of God - a man who is invested
with all the powers of God. ... The priest is not a priest for himself; he
does not give himself absolution; he does not administer the Sacraments to
himself. He is not for himself, he is for you. After God, the priest is
everything. ...The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. When you
see the priest, think of Our Lord Jesus Christ. ...

We priests have so many limits. We are sinners, all. But if we go to Jesus
Christ, if we seek the Lord in prayer – prayer of intercession, prayer of
adoration – we are good priests, even though we are sinners. But if we are
far from Jesus Christ, we necessarily compensate for this with other,
worldly attitudes. ...

When my priests seek my company
I am moved to show them the compassionate love of my Heart.
When they draw near to me
it is because I have already drawn near to them,
set my gaze upon them,
given them my Heart’s love of predilection,
and claimed them for myself
and for my Bride, the Church. ...

Pope Francis went on to say that anointing brings bishops and priests closer to
the Lord and gives them the joy and strength, "To carry [their] people forward,
to help [their] people, to live in the service of [their] people." Anointing
gives the joy of feeling oneself "chosen by the Lord, watched by the Lord, with
that love with which the Lord looks upon all of us." Thus, "When we think of
bishops and priests, we must think of them in this way: [as] anointed ones."
...

There is something about the way kochu thirumeni looks at you. HG's demeanor
overall tells you that you have met someone very special. Jesus had a "deep"
look at Peter when he denied him three times during his mock trial. Was it a
stare, or a disappointed look, or a "I told you so!" kind of look? It was the
first time Peter saw "that look." Peter saw it and his heart melted; he could
not take it any more. He ran away and cried and cried - a broken man who lost
everything. He didn't feel like the "rock" anymore.

I do not want to say that the Kochu Thirumeni's look will make you cry. I
think it is more of a look of comfort. You will feel at ease. He listens to you
very carefully. He talks to you at your level - not sitting in a throne. One get
the feeling that here is a bishop who cares about you. He is different. ...

Joseph Mor Gregorios Metropolitan is the Diocesan Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese.
His Grace decorates the chair of the Secretary of the Holy Episcopal Synod in
India too. Apart from all these spiritual responsibilities, His Grace serves as
the manager of the Institutions of The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Chairman
& Managing Trustee of many Institutions and organizations and Charitable Trusts.
...

Thirumeni wears many hats. HG has been continuing as the secretary of the Holy
Episcopal Synod for a long time. He is the manager of the educational trust of
the church that overseas all educational institutions under the church. He is
also the manager of Gregorian public school, Thiruvankulam. ...

Thirumeni, we wish you a great future. We need you in our forefront by holding
the torch of true faith and to guide our children to the next century by keeping
the legacy of our faithful fathers and saints. ...

Manalelchira achen shares a deep and long bond with Gregoriose Thirumeni. They were class mates and playmates under Perumpalli
Thirumeni. Achen reflects on the life of Thirumeni both as a good friend and as
a good spiritual father.

A 2010 analysis of past research on links between
food dyes and health by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)
found compelling evidence that ingestion of artificial dyes can contribute
to hyperactivity, restlessness and attention problems in some children -
particularly those with ADHD. ...

But God's transforming power is never just a deal between God and myself. It's
not just "me and Jesus." Redemption, the fulfillment of God's saving purpose,
always involves other people. God's transforming work in Jacob's life takes on a
whole new meaning when he sees Rachel. For the first time in his self-absorbed,
self-centered, self-satisfying life, he sees another person not as something to
be used, but as someone to be loved. ...

A husband and wife who love each other well, who strive for oneness in heart and
mind, will see the outpouring of their unity bear fruit in children. Again, St.
John Chrysostom emphasizes the primacy of love in the family, saying: "When we teach our
children to be good, to be gentle, to be forgiving (all these are attributes of
God), to be generous, to love their fellow men, to regard this present age as
nothing, we instill virtue in their souls and reveal the image of God in them."
...

This week, during your prayer times, focus on being in the moment. Let these
words wrap themselves around your heart: "Be still. Know that I am God." Let the
power of His presence flood you, filling you with confidence, peace, boldness.
When He says, "I am YOUR God," what is He saying to you? Each morning, write
down what it means to you that He is YOUR God.

What kinds of thoughts try to pull you out of the moment? How do you resist
them?

THEME: PRIESTHOOD

The Priesthood: The Love of the Heart of Jesus

by St John Vianney, Curé d'Ars

[Editor's Note: St John Vianney, to many, was a super priest. Sleep and food
deprived, he would spend up to eighteen hours in the confessional. People will
come all over France and neighboring countries for confessional with him. Drawn
by his remarkable saintliness, they packed the church for his catechetical
teaching, lined up for his spiritual direction and absolution or simply sought
his saintly presence. John Vianney has become a model for priests and the patron
saint of parish priests throughout the world. The following sermon is taken from
the book of his excellent sermons. It is the Saint's teaching on the priesthood.
As we read his words, may they inspire us all the more to value, love and pray
for our priests.]

My children, we have come to the Sacrament of Orders. It is a Sacrament which
seems to relate to no one among you, and which yet relates to everyone. This
Sacrament raises man up to God. What is a priest? A man who holds the place of
God - a man who is invested with all the powers of God.

"Go," said Our Lord to the priest; "as My Father sent Me, I send you. All power
has been given Me in Heaven and on earth. Go then, teach all nations. . . . He
who listens to you, listens to Me; he who despises you despises Me."

When the priest remits sins, he does not say, "God pardons you"; he says, "I
absolve you." At the Consecration, he does not say, "This is the Body of Our
Lord;" he says, "This is My Body."

Saint Bernard tells us that everything has come to us through Mary; and we may
also say that everything has come to us through the priest; yes, all happiness,
all graces, all heavenly gifts. If we had not the Sacrament of Orders, we should
not have Our Lord.
Who placed Him there, in that tabernacle? It was the priest.
Who was it that received your soul, on its entrance into life? The priest.
Who
nourishes it, to give it strength to make its pilgrimage? The priest.
Who will
prepare it to appear before God, by washing that soul, for the last time, in the
blood of Jesus Christ? The priest - always the priest.
And if that soul comes to
the point of death, who will raise it up, who will restore it to calmness and
peace? Again, the priest.

You cannot recall one single blessing from God without
finding, side by side with this recollection, the image of the priest.

Go to confession to the Blessed Virgin, or to an angel; will they absolve you?
No. Will they give you the Body and Blood of Our Lord? No. The Holy Virgin
cannot make her Divine Son descend into the Host. You might have two hundred
angels there, but they could not absolve you. A priest, however simple he may
be, can do it; he can say to you, "Go in peace; I pardon you."

Oh, how great is
a priest! The priest will not understand the greatness of his office until he is
in heaven. If he understood it on earth, he would die, not of fear, but of love.
The other benefits of God would be of no avail to us without the priest. What
would be the use of a house full of gold, if you had nobody to open you the
door! The priest has the key of the heavenly treasures; it is he who opens the
door; he is the steward of the good God, the distributor of His wealth.

Without
the priest, the death and passion of Our Lord would be of no avail. Look at the
heathens: what has it availed them that Our Lord has died? Alas! They can have
no share in the blessings of redemption, while they have no priests to apply His
Blood to their souls!

The priest is not a priest for himself; he does not give himself absolution; he
does not administer the Sacraments to himself. He is not for himself, he is for
you. After God, the priest is everything. Leave a parish twenty years without
priests; they will worship beasts. If the missionary Father and I were to go
away, you would say, "What can we do in this church? There is no Mass; Our Lord
is no longer there: we may as well pray at home." When people wish to destroy
religion, they begin by attacking the priest, because where there is no longer
any priest there is no sacrifice, and where there is no longer any sacrifice
there is no religion.

When the bell calls you to church, if you were asked, "Where are you going?" you
might answer, "I am going to feed my soul." If someone were to ask you, pointing
to the tabernacle, "What is that golden door?" "That is our storehouse, where
the true Food of our souls is kept." "Who has the key? Who lays in the
provisions? Who makes ready the feast, and who serves the table?" "The priest."
"And what is the Food?" "The precious Body and Blood of Our Lord." O God! O God!
How Thou hast loved us! See the power of the priest; out of a piece of bread the
word of a priest makes a God. It is more than creating the world. Someone said,
"Does St. Philomena, then, obey the Cure of Ars?" Indeed, she may well obey him,
since God obeys him.

If I were to meet a priest and an angel, I should salute the priest before I
saluted the angel. The latter is the friend of God; but the priest holds His
place. St. Teresa kissed the ground where a priest had passed. When you see a
priest, you should say, "There is he who made me a child of God, and opened
Heaven to me by holy Baptism; he who purified me after I had sinned; who gives
nourishment to my soul." At the sight of a church tower, you may say, "What is
there in that place?" "The Body of Our Lord." "Why is He there?" "Because a
priest has been there, and has said Holy Mass."

What joy did the Apostles feel after the Resurrection of Our Lord, at seeing the
Master whom they had loved so much! The priest must feel the same joy, at seeing
Our Lord whom he holds in his hands. Great value is attached to objects which
have been laid in the drinking cup of the Blessed Virgin and of the Child Jesus,
at Loretto. But the fingers of the priest, that have touched the adorable Flesh
of Jesus Christ, that have been plunged into the chalice which contained His
Blood, into the pyx where His Body has lain, are they not still more precious?

The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. When you see the priest, think
of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The True Priest and His Relation to Christ

by Pope Francis

A true priest, Pope Francis said, is anointed by God for His people, has a close
relationship with Jesus. When that relationship is missing, the priest becomes
"smarmy," an idolater, a worshiper
of the "god Narcissus."

Pope Francis' homily was entirely dedicated to the priesthood. Commenting on the
passage from first letter of St. John, where the Apostle says that we have
eternal life because we believe in the name of Jesus, the Pope asks about the
relationship of priests with Jesus, because "the strength of a priest is in this
relationship." When Jesus was growing in popularity, the Pope said, "He went to
the Father," He retreated "to a deserted place to pray." This is a kind of
"touchstone for priests" he said: whether or not we seek to find Jesus. "What is
the place of Jesus Christ in my priestly life? Is it a living relationship, from
the disciple to the Master, from brother to brother, from the poor man to God,
or is it a somewhat artificial relationship... that does not come from the
heart?"

"We are anointed by the Spirit, and when a priest is far from Jesus Christ he
can lose this unction. In his life, no: essentially he has it... but he loses
it. And instead of being anointed he ends up being smarmy. And how damaging to
the Church are smarmy priests! Those who put their strength in artificial
things, in vanity, in an attitude... in a cutesy language... But how often do we
hear it said with sorrow: 'This is a butterfly-priest,' because they are always
vain... [This kind of priest] does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ! He
has lost the unction: he is smarmy."

Pope Francis continued:

"We priests have so many limits. We are sinners, all. But if we go to Jesus
Christ, if we seek the Lord in prayer – prayer of intercession, prayer of
adoration – we are good priests, even though we are sinners. But if we are far
from Jesus Christ, we necessarily compensate for this with other, worldly
attitudes. And so [we see] all these figures... priest-wheeler dealers,
priest-tycoons... But the priest who adores Jesus Christ, the priest who talks
with Jesus Christ, the priest who seeks Jesus Christ and who is allowed to seek
Jesus Christ: this is the centre of our life. If that is not there, we lose
everything. And what will we give to the people?"

"Our relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship of anointing for the
people," Pope Francis said, "grows in us priests" more and more each day:

"But it is good to find priests who have given their lives as priests, truly, of
whom the people say: "Yes, he's difficult, he's this or that... But he is a
priest! And people know! On the other hand, when people see priest idolaters, so
to speak, priests who instead of having Jesus have little idols... worshippers
of the god Narcissus... When people see [priests like this] they say 'poor guy!'
The relationship with Jesus Christ saves us from worldliness and idolatry that
makes us smarmy, preserves us in the anointing [we have received]. And today,
this is my hope for you who have been kind enough to come here to concelebrate
with me: Even if you lose everything in life, don't lose this relationship with
Jesus Christ! This is your victory. Go forward with this!"

Source: Radio Vaticana, 1/12/2014

Christ Waits for His Priests

by Fr. Mark

I wait for my priests.
I long to see them enter my sanctuary
and approach the tabernacle of my abiding presence.

I wait for them
in the Sacrament that I left for their sakes
as the expression of my Divine Friendship for my priests,
as their consolation in loneliness,
their strength in weakness,
their sweetness in life’s bitterness.

When my priests seek my company
I am moved to show them the compassionate love of my Heart.
When they draw near to me
it is because I have already drawn near to them,
set my gaze upon them,
given them my Heart’s love of predilection,
and claimed them for myself
and for my Bride, the Church.

If they come in search of my Eucharistic Face,
it is because the light of my Face
has already illumined their darkness.
Some see the light of my Face
and walk in its radiance.

Others see it and turn away,
choosing darkness over my light.
Even among my priests
there are those who forsake the light of my Face
for the demon-infested darkness
that will lead to their destruction.

How I grieve over those of my priests who turn from me.
How I grieve over those of my priests
who pretend not to have seen my light
nor to have recognized my Face.

These, like Peter in his weakness,
deny having known me.
Still, I wait for them to turn to me.

My Face is, at every moment, turned towards them.
I will give them light to return to me.
I wait for them in the Sacrament of my Love.

From In Sinu Iesu, The Journal of A Priest

Bishops, Priests Ordained to Serve

by Pope Francis

Pope Francis spoke of the Church as a divinely ordained institution in which
some individuals - the men who answer the call to become priests and bishops -
are specially anointed to serve the people of God. The Pope thanked the many
holy priests who give their lives in the anonymity of their daily service.

Commenting on the first reading of the day, which speaks of the tribes of Israel
that anoint David as their king, the Pope explained the significance of
spiritual anointing, saying, "Without this anointing, David would have been only
the head," of the, "company" of a "political society, which was the Kingdom of
Israel" He would have been a mere, "political organizer." Instead, "After the
anointing , the Spirit of the Lord," descends upon David and stays with him.
Scripture says that David continued to grow in power, and that the Lord was with
him. "This," said Pope Francis, "is precisely the difference anointing makes."
The anointed one is a person chosen by the Lord. So it is in the Church for
bishops and priests: Listen:

"The bishops are elected not only to conduct an organization, which is called
the particular Church. They are anointed: they have the anointing and the Spirit
of the Lord is with them. All the bishops are sinners, every one. Still, we are
anointed. We all want to be more holy every day, more faithful to this
anointing. The person of the bishop is the thing that [constitutes] a Church [as
such], in the name of Jesus Christ - because he is anointed, not because he was
voted by the majority. It is in this anointing that a particular Church has its
strength. Because they take part [in the bishop's mission of service] priests
are anointed, as well."

Pope Francis went on to say that anointing brings bishops and priests closer to
the Lord and gives them the joy and strength, "To carry [their] people forward,
to help [their] people, to live in the service of [their] people." Anointing
gives the joy of feeling oneself "chosen by the Lord, watched by the Lord, with
that love with which the Lord looks upon all of us." Thus, "When we think of
bishops and priests, we must think of them in this way: [as] anointed ones.":

"On the contrary, it is impossible to understand - not only - it is impossible
to explain how the Church could continue under merely human strength. This
diocese goes forward because it has a holy people, many things, and also an
anointed one who leads, who helps it to grow. This parish progresses because it
has many organizations, many things, but it also has a priest, who carries the
parish forward. We in history know but a small part - though how many holy
bishops, how many priests, how many holy priests have given their lives in the
service of the diocese, the parish - how many people have received the power of
faith, the power of love, hope [itself] from these anonymous pastors? We do not
know: there are so many."

They are many, explained Pope Francis, "The parish priests of the country or the
city, who, with their anointing have given strength the people, who have passed
on the teaching of the faith, have given the sacraments: [in a word],
holiness.":

"'But , Father, I have read in a newspaper that a bishop has done such a thing,
or a priest who has done this thing.' Oh yes, I read it, too. Tell me, though:
do the papers carry news of what great charity so many priests, so many priests
in so many parishes of the city and the countryside, perform? Of the great work
they do in carrying their people forward? No? This is not news. It is the same
as always: a single falling tree makes more noise than a forest that grows.
Today, thinking about this anointing of David, it will do us good to think of
our brave, holy , good , faithful bishops and priests, and pray for them. We are
here today thanks to them."

Source: Vatican News Agency, January 27, 2014

FEATURED: His Grace Joseph Mor Gregorios Metropolitan

Gregorios Thirumeni - A Giant 'Kochu Thirumeni' Loved By All

by Dr. Jacob Mathew, Editor-in-Chief, Malankara World

There is something about the way kochu thirumeni looks at you. HG's demeanor
overall tells you that you have met someone very special. Jesus had a "deep"
look at Peter when he denied him three times during his mock trial. Was it a
stare, or a disappointed look, or a "I told you so!" kind of look? It was the
first time Peter saw "that look." Peter saw it and his heart melted; he could
not take it any more. He ran away and cried and cried - a broken man who lost
everything. He didn't feel like the "rock" anymore.

I do not want to say that the Kochu Thirumeni's look will make you cry. I
think it is more of a look of comfort. You will feel at ease. He listens to you
very carefully. He talks to you at your level - not sitting in a throne. One get
the feeling that here is a bishop who cares about you. He is different.

Last time I saw thirumeni was in my ancestral home in Kerala last September. My
mother had just passed away. Catholica Bava came from Banagalore for the
funeral. Gregoriose Kochu thirumeni was in Bombay at that time and he visited us
the following day with Kuriakose Manalelchira achen. We had some discussion of
Malankara World and our emphasis on doing something for the family, especially
in the area of post-marital counseling to supplement the premarital counseling
we do in the churches now. Kochu thirumeni is a big believer in counseling. He
has done a diploma course in counseling at US prior to becoming a bishop. He
listened carefully. I got the feeling that he is always listening - looking for
opportunities to improve the pastoral care offered by our church. He cares.

You can see the example he set when his sheep wanted to celebrate twentieth
anniversary of his consecration as a bishop. Like LL Osthathiose thirumeni asked
those around him "not to spend money on bouquets of flowers but spend those
funds for clothes or other essential things for poor and needy or give them
money." The organizing committee, headed by HG Issac Mor Osthathiose of Delhi
Diocese (who had served as Thirumeni's secretary when he was a priest), decided
to honor Kochu thirumeni's wishes and to make this event the 10th anniversary of
the family units in the diocese, highlighting the charitable works of the
diocese.

In connection with the theme of family, the diocese will help in the
marriage of 20 poor girls. The couples were picked purely on the basis of need;
caste, creed and religion were not considered. Out of the 20 finalists only 7
were Jacobites. The remaining 13 couples were Catholics, Hindus, etc. Each couple
will get wedding clothes, cooking vessels, gold and a cash donation. The total
donation is worth about 2 lakhs of rupees that will get them a head start in
life. For these poor couples, it is a big wedding ceremony they cannot imagine!
The Jacobites will be wedded at Karingachira pally after a trimass. Others will
be wedded at their own churches or temples. But then all the married couples and
20 guests/couple will be treated to a wedding party they will not forget.
That is how the 'Giant' Kochu thirumeni does things!

Thirumeni is the Manager of the Educational Trust of the church - a trust that
is in charge of all the educational institutions owned by the church. He also
manages several schools of the Kochi diocese. For thirumeni, education is a
priority. I was watching a recently released documentary on HB Baselios Thomas I
called "srestan." Gregorios thirumeni was interviewed extensively for the
documentary. At one point HG was explaining the philosophy of our Sresta
Catholica Bava. Thirumeni said bava insists that a key mission of our church
should be in educating people. Bava realizes that, initially, we need funds for
starting an institution. But after the obligations are paid off, bava wants
these institutions to
help people without consideration of income. Gregorios thirumeni is very much in agreement with this philosophy.
Christianity is known for its emphasis on education - even the Malayalam name "pallikudam"
for school came from a school attached to a church. Somehow, in the rush to
accrue more and more wealth for churches, we have forgotten our basic mission -
helping people. I am really glad that our church leaders like Kochu thirumeni
and Sresta bava knows what their role is and what the savior wants them to do.

As Rev. Fr. Jose Daniel Paitel said in an attached article, thirumeni was among
a few stalwarts who came forward when the church was in crisis. There were
serious questions as to whether the church will survive from this crisis. Several people called
it quits either voluntarily or were "bought out." These are the times when we
know who really is with the church. There is a famous song in Malayalam that can
be loosely translated as

When you are laughing, there will be thousands of people to laugh with youWhen you cry, the only one with you to cry with you will be your shadow.

When times are bad, when you are facing persecution, when you know that you may
be mocked and laughed at for your decision, this is the time when we meet the
real leaders. They are there because of the principles they believe in not for
any other worldly goods or position.

Fr. Prior of Benedictine order told the "graduating class" of the monks last
week:

"You could have chosen a well-established abbey with magnificent architecture
and a splendid church, with vast scenic lands, financial security, wise seniors,
strong men in the prime of life, and promising young men giving assurance for
tomorrow. Instead, you have come to a monastery so poor that it does not even
own the buildings and land in which it is established; a monastery in which you
will find no fine architecture and no splendid abbey church; a monastery that
is, in every way, fragile - oh, so fragile - and marked already by cold,
sickness, weakness, and a worrisome lack of security and of means."

That is an accurate description of the condition of our church when Kochu
Thirumeni embraced it. Fr. Prior continued:

Paradoxically, here, the very insecurity of the place will become your security.
As your father, I will not hide from you the secret upon which you will have to
stake your life here, the words of Christ to Saint Paul: "My grace is enough for
thee; my strength finds its full scope in thy weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

For those who believe, the grace of God provides the fortress that will protect
them. Paitel achen talks about the "Proclamation of Faith Meeting" organized by
Kochu Thirumeni at Kochi and how that turned the situation around for the
church. The cream always rises to the top. The people with faith in Jesus know
that, Jesus told them that there will be trials and tribulations and
persecutions; but they should remember that Jesus won them first. A good
shepherd takes care of his sheep; that is the first and foremost priority for
them. Our bishops and clergy need to remember that it is their job to guide the
sheep from danger into safe areas.

I saw a great prayer reflecting on what Jesus wants from His clergy. Let me
quote the first two stanzas below:

It is enough for you to be with Me.This is all I ask of you.I do not ask for elevated thoughts,or for emotional outpourings,or for nicely constructed phrases.I ask only that you stay with Me.

I need your company even nowjust as I needed the companyof Peter, James, and John in
Gethsemane.They slept on, it is true, but I knew they were there,and their mere presencewas a consolation to My agonizing Heart.

In another reflection, "Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ?" I
came across the following:

Abandon yourself to My love,and trust that I will never abandon you,nor let you fall victim to the deceits of the Enemy.Humility is the armor that frustrates and confounds the enemy.Remain humble and trusting in My presence,and the Enemy will have no way to poison your mind or your heart."

People like Kochu Thirumeni, who has the faith and courage to face the trials,
will find that Jesus is there beside them at every step on the way. What Jesus
looks for are love, humility and a contrite heart. Jesus said nothing is going to destroy the
Church he built. When we have shepherds like HG Joseph Mor Gregorios, our church
is safe.

We wish Thirumeni all the best.

On The Occasion of the Twentieth Anniversary of Bishop
Consecration of His Grace Joseph Mor Gregorios, Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese and
Holy Synod Secretary

by Rev. Fr. Roy Paul Vettikkattil
Vicar and President of St. George Cathedral, Karingachira
Malankara World Board Member

A look at Thirumeni's life and accomplishments, his service to the church and
community. The article is in Malayalam. The pdf version can be read by clicking
on the link below.

The Kochi Diocese is one of the oldest Dioceses which was formed as one among
the Seven Dioceses established in the Historical Malankara Syrian Christian
Association held at Mulanthuruthy in Ernakulam District in 1876 under the
Chairmanship of the late lamented Patriarch, H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV.

Joseph Mor Gregorios Metropolitan is the Diocesan Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese.
His Grace decorates the chair of the Secretary of the Holy Episcopal Synod in
India too. Apart from all these spiritual responsibilities, His Grace serves as
the manager of the Institutions of The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Chairman
& Managing Trustee of many Institutions and organisations and Charitable Trusts.

His Grace was born as the youngest of four children to Srambickal Pallathitta
Varghese and Saramma on 10th November 1960 in Perumpally, Mulanthuruthy. He is
the Grand child of the cousin of St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil (Parumala
Thirumeni, the Well known Saint). Named 'Youseph' on baptism he was called Jose.
He pursued his primary education at Perumpally Primary School and Mulanthuruthy
High School.

At the young age of 13, he was ordained deacon by Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Perumpally
Thirumeni) at Mor Ignatius Dayro, Manjanikkara on 25th March 1974. Subsequently,
Dn. Jose became the Secretary to Mor Gregorios and served HG for a long period.
He did pre-degree and bachelors degree at Maharajas College, Emakulam and joined
Mor Julius Seminary, Perumpally for his theological studies.

On 25th March 1984, Dn. Jose was ordained Priest at Marthoman Church,
Mulanthuruthy, by Late Lamented His Beatitude Mor Baselios Paulose II,
Catholicose of the East. He was appointed the Vicar of St. Marys Cathedral,
Queens Road, Bangalore. He served there from 1984 to 1988. He left for higher
studies in Ireland and did B.D (St. Patrik's College, Dublin) and M. Phil (
Dublin University). He served as Vicar of St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Church,
London during 1988 to 1992. Later he left for U.S and acquired Diploma in
Clinical Pastoral Education and Counseling. From 1992 to 1993 he served many
parishes in the US.

On the retirement of his predecessor, Late Lamented Thomas Mor Osthatheos
Metropolitan, due to old age, Fr. Jose was unanimously selected and elected as
the Bishop candidate. He was ordained Ramban by H.H the Patriarch at Damascus on
14th January 1994. Subsequently On 16th January 1994, Joseph Ramban was
consecrated Metropolitan by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the
Prince Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, at Damascus, for the Cochin
Diocese. His Grace assumed charge of the diocese on 23rd January 1994. From that
day onwards a real change was felt in the day to day affairs of the holy Church
in general and particularly the Kochi Diocese.

With all limits and limitations, the Young New Metropolitan was instrumental in
helping the poor, discarded and deceased - by caring and considering them as the
children of God. His Grace's simplicity, love and care conquered the hearts of
the faithful and needy - and he is affectionately called 'Kochuthirumeni' by
everyone. Recognizing the vision and practices, many people encouraged and
supported His grace from all walks of life and thus the area of services spread
to nearby areas also. As soon as His Grace took charge of the Diocese, he
started house visits and initiated to form family units and charitable trusts in
each and every parish. Like his predecessor, staying in the same small house,
Kochuthirumeni was keen in introducing new programmes and establishing new
schemes for the society. Understanding the situations prevailing in many
families and the attitude of the Youth, he introduced Premarital Counseling
Course and made it compulsory before marriage. He started Metropolitan poor
relief fund for the needy in a big way - for treatment, education and marriage
of the poor and orphans. The Medical insurance scheme was also introduced. He
took special interest in the poor and old people for their rehabilitation and
treatment.

HG organized several conventions and symposiums for the enlightment and upliftment
of the poor and faithful. HG served as the President of Malankara Jacobite
Syrian Sunday School Association (MJSSA) from 1996 till 2002. In recognition of HG's exemplary actions and dedicated services, he was elected as the Secretary
of the Holy Episcopal Synod (Bishops Meeting) in India. HG continues to serve
this post with dignity. Motivated by Parumala Thirumeni and also by his predecessor, HG started 'Gregorian Public School' at Maradu, Ernakulam. HG is the
Manager of the school. He is also the managing trustee of St. Gregorious Charitable Trust.
HG is also the manager of Georgian Academy English Medium High School at Kyomtha
Seminary.

HG also initiated several programs for the faithful and clergy for their spiritual
and emotional development. Recognizing the need of the hour, Kochuthirumeni
started a boys home for the poor at Vattappara under the auspices of Tabore
Heights charitable Trust. As the Secretary of the Holy Synod in India,
Kochuthirumeni contributed a lot for the Church in general.

A historical Patriarchal Day Celebrations was held in 1995 under the
Chairmanship and Leadership of His Grace. This was one of the events which
reflected his steadfast faith to the Holy Apostolic Throne. It also unveiled HG's clear vision and unmatched leadership quality and organizing
ability to
the public and the Church in general. All the Apostolic visits of His Holiness,
the Patriarch, were well organised and were successful as a result of the
dedicated and strong will of His Grace. The Patriarchal Enthronement Silver
Jubilee Celebrations held in Kerala in 2004 in presence of His Holiness, the Patriarch
gave a big boost to the unmatched leadership of HG. It also brought a new
renaissance to the Holy Church and vigour to the faithful.

HG had the rare opportunity to visit His Holiness the Patriarch on several
occasions and to be with His Holiness more than anyone from Malankara.
This deep-rooted relationship of HG with the Holy Father is well known to the
faithful as well as to the Bishops and clergy in the Holy church. His Holiness
finds a true unmatched spiritual Leader in HG to take the Holy Church to the new
decade.

His Grace worked hard and stood well with His Beatitude, the Catholicose, and all
the Metropolitans for the glory of the Holy Church. The famous 101 Mass (Nootti-one-inmel
Qurbana) and the construction of St. Gregorios village at Mulanthuruthy are a
few among the many events which added golden feather to his crown.

His Grace represented the Holy Church in many World conferences, visited the
Holy Land many times, and travelled worldwide extensively - developing good
relationship with the people he meets. HG also is taking initiative and special
interest in convening dialogues and meetings in order to achieve peace and
harmony in the Church.

HG is well appreciated as Staunch Believer, Spiritual Leader, Wise organizer,
Lover of Peace, Prudent Administrator, Good Samaritan, Intelligent Educationist
and as a true friend who spreads the message of our Lord.

In the outset of the 20th Year of Episcopal Consecration, HG has initiated special
schemes for the poor and needy. When the diocese wished to celebrate the
Metropolitan Consecration, His Grace wished to celebrate it as 'The Samooha
Vivaham'( Wedding of 20 poor girls from all religions).

During the time of all trials and tribulations, His grace continues his journey
with a clear and farsighted vision. Let us wish, hope and pray that, God help HG
to do more and more things with good Vision and keep the Christian flag fly at
full mast which will prosper our people, community, society, particularly Kochi
Diocese and the Holy Church.

Jubilarian Mor Joseph Gregorios Metropolitan

By Rev. Fr. Jose Daniel Paitel, Malankara World Board Member

Congratulations and best wishes to H.G. Mor Gregorios Joseph (Kochu Thirumeni)
on celebrating the accomplishments of two decades of the episcopacy.

Kochu Thirumeni was born the youngest of four children to Srambickal Pallathitta
Geevarghese and Saramma on 10 Nov 1960 in Perumpally, Mulanthuruthy. He is the
Grand child of the cousin of St. Mor Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil (Parumala
Thirumeni).

Kochu Thirumni was one of the few courageous persons who rose to the occasion
when the church needed them most. So, let me briefly describe the context in
which HG was ordained.

A Church in Crisis

In 1972 the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara suffered a schism. A chain of
litigations and unrest followed this schism. We were unprepared for this as this
came as a surprise. The other faction was well prepared and played their role
like in a screen play.

The first shock to the church was from the deportation of Patriarchal Delegate
Mor Aprem Aboodi Themothiose Metropolitan after the cancellation of his
residency visa. His absence created a leadership vacuum in the clergy ranks in
our church. An apostolic church requires a bishop for consecrating priests and
bishops. This presented a big challenge to our church. Cries for new bishops
rose from every corner of our church. Consecration of The Late Lamentated Dr.
Kadavil Paulose Mor Athansiose Metropolitan for The Evangelical Mission of the
East provided a temporary relief. Later, two zealot priests of valor and
enthusiasm were consecrated as bishops by the then Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius
Yakoob III. Both of them jumped into the fire pot fuelled by the actions of the
rival faction. They came out refined after testing their faith and courage in
that fire. One of their immediate actions was to find and ordain enough
qualified workers for our church. It was a difficult task. Resources were very
limited. Many doubted if the church can survive. So, they considered it a
suicidal mission to jump into such an uncertain. Some young people with courage
and dedication to carry the cross came forward at the calling of God. Young
Joseph was one of them.

Joseph was ordained deacon by Mor Gregorios Geevarghese at Mor Ignatius Dayro,
Manjanikkara on 25 March 1974. He was only 13 years old at that time. He has
been called for a divine vocation on such a situation like that of Samuel.
Subsequently Dn. Joseph served as the secretary to Mor Gregorios for a very long
period.

Some of My Fond Memories of Early Days of Kochu Thirumeni

Deacon Joseph was the first deacon in our church that I got acquainted with in
the early days of my vocation. He was a few years younger than me. He was
serving Late Lamentated Mor Gregorios Thirumeni (Perumpilly Thirumeni). Besides
D. Joseph, three other deacons were also serving Perumpilly Thirumeni at that
time. They are: Very Rev. Baby Cor- Episcopos, Rev. Fr. Abbey Kuruvilla, and
Rev. Fr. Mathai Kattumangattu. We became very good friends at the seminary. That
friendship grew and we share many fond memories of those days.

All of us in the seminary knew that Deacon Joseph had a great future in our
church. He was already showing his organizing skills and leadership skills. He
also amassed impressive knowledge of Theology. We were proved right.

HB Mor Baselios Paulose II, Catholicose of the East, ordained Dn. Joseph Kassiso
at Marthoman Church, Mulanthuruthy on 25 March 1984. Fr. Joseph went for higher
studies in Dublin, Ireland, London, England and United States. He had served as
vicars in several churches in North America and Europe during this time.

Due to old age, the then Metropolitan of Cochin Diocese, Mor Osthatheos Thomas,
retired from his temporal duties of serving the diocese. Fr. Joseph was ordained
Ramban by H.H Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and all the
East, at Damascus on 14 January 1994. On 16 January 1994, Rev. Joseph Ramban was
consecrated Metropolitan by the name Mor Gregorios Joseph by H.H Moran Mor
Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All The East at Damascus. Mor
Gregorios Joseph assumed the office of the Metropolitan of Cochin Diocese on
January 23, 1994 at Kyomtha Cathedral, Thiruvankulam.

When consecrated, Gregorios Thirumeni was one of the youngest to be ordained a
bishop of our church. Then onwards we call him Kochu Thirumeni. Thirumeni is
very close to my family. My Late father, mother and all of my brothers have kept
in touch with him.

Kochu Thirumeni - A Man of Courage

The early days after his consecration were days filled with uncertainty and
anxiety for Kochu Thirumeni. Thirumeni, however, handled his job very well. He
kept his faith in God and maintained his obedience and love to the Holy Throne
of Antioch and to H.B. Catholicose Mor Baseliose Paulose II and to his mentor
Perumpilly thirumeni as he vowed before his consecration. The days after the
Supreme Court judgment in 1995 brought new challenges. The judgement dealt a
severe blow to our church. Shockwaves were spreading through the faithful as
hours and minutes passed after the judgement was announced. The strength of
faith and confidence of some of our leaders were severely tested. I do not want
to reveal some of these stories. There were serious allegations made against
some members of the litigation committee. Times looked pretty bad for our church
in the aftermath of the Supreme Court Judgement.

Supreme Court judgment came out on 20th June 1995. The media and the Government
were trying to manipulate the situation. Those were the turbulent days for Mr.
A.K. Antony as the Chief Minister of Kerala. Political situation of the ruling
party also looked precarious. Soon after the Supreme court Judgment, orthodox
faction was using their machinery to spread false propaganda to the govt. and
the public. Our Holy church was the victim of this vicious propaganda. However,
the God was with us. We were granted a great victory in the special court. It
was the result of hard work from an expert team of litigation committee under
the leadership of Late Lamented Kuriakose Mor Coorilose Thirumeni as the
chairman. Unfortunately, we failed to maintain the great success in the special
court judgment.

There is a simple explanation why we did so poorly after the judgement. We were
not prepared for it. Mor Gregorios Thirumeni rose to the occasion here. He had
been newly consecrated as the Asst. Bishop of Cochin Diocese. This diocese was
facing serious difficulties at that time. A successor bishop to the then
Diocesan Metropolitan was needed – someone who is seasoned and experienced in
handling trouble. Trials and tribulations were waiting for the new bishop.

Kochu Thirumeni's Leadership Role in the Faith Proclamation Meeting

It is true that cream always rises to the top. Butter separates and rises to the
top when the curd is subjected to severe tribulations. For Kochu Thirumeni, the
turbulent situation in the church presented a great opportunity to show his leadership
talents

Thirumeni went to work to bring the situation under control. One of the great
accomplishments of the new Thirumeni was regaining the spirit of the church from
the shock after the supreme court judgment. Within few days after the supreme
court judgment, a mega meeting was planned at Marine Drive in Cochin to proclaim
and show True Faith in church. The world was watching. This was a big risky
venture. If people did not show up, it would have been the end of the church.
So, the organizers had to communicate to the people what is at risk and inspire
them to attend the meeting.

The young Joseph Gregorios Thirumeni was the convener of that meeting. The
meeting was a great success and exceeded all expectations. It shocked all
dissidents within and outside our church. More than Five and a half lakh
spirited faithful assembled there on that day. It is even more remarkable that
they only had few days notice and the communication systems those days were very
primitive.

This meeting changed everything. It was the calm after the storm. Hierarchy of
church never expected such a sweeping show of our faithful. We were able to show
the world that we meant business and that the rank and file was with us. The
tide turned. The critics of the church who expected a big failure were shocked.

That overwhelming success of the meeting was the combined result of the tearful
prayers of late lamented HB Baseliose Paulose II Catholicose of the East and the
confidence and successful organizing capacity of the young bishop Joseph Mor
Gregorios Metropolitan who brought his youthful enthusiasm to the church.
Thirumeni proved that he can organize and lead the church to its goal. He had a
great grasp of facts, figures, and history. He was also a very skilled public
speaker. HG inspired his listeners to a common purpose and goal.

A Bishop Trusted by The Patriarch

The talents of this young bishop was noticed by the Patriarch. When difficult
situations arose in the church, the Patriarch started using Gregoriose Thirumeni
to handle it. Thirumeni had travelled all over Kerala, India and abroad to put
out "small fires" in the church.

One example is the recent situation in the Malankara Archdiocese in North
America. When a situation arose that may inflict serious damage to the
archdiocese, the Patriarch appointed Gregoriose Thirumeni as the patriarchal
observer. The Thirumeni was entrusted with the task of talking to the priests,
laity, and management of the archdiocese, understand the problem and suggest
recommendations to Patriarch. I understand H.G was trying to keep the spirit of
our faithful, by helping us to stay as a united church. I heard Thirumeni, was
crying for the whole night by praying and praying to avoid disheartening
division of this archdiocese. Holy Moran was confident in Thirumeni and he
accepted his recommendations without change.

Thirumeni wears many hats. HG has been continuing as the secretary of the Holy
Episcopal Synod for a long time. He is the manager of the educational trust of
the church that overseas all educational institutions under the church. He is
also the manager of Gregorian public school, Thiruvankulam.

Let me conclude my words. Thirumeni, we wish you a great future. We need you in
our forefront by holding the torch of true faith and to guide our children to
the next century by keeping the legacy of our faithful fathers and saints. Good
luck!

Manalelchira achen shares a deep and long bond with Gregoriose Thirumeni. Like
Sree Krshnan and Kuchelan, they were class mates and playmates under Perumpalli
Thirumeni. Achen reflects on the life of Thirumeni both as a good friend and as
a good spiritual father. The Malayalam article can be read from the pdf file by
clicking on the link below.

"Be rich in love of man and love of God. Brothers should never cheat each other.
When you move away from unity you are sure to move away from God."

"If there is a quarrel in the family, keep away from it. A quarrelsome house is
the haven of the devil; and God is nowhere near it."

"Avoid arrogance, quarrel, and pride while dealing in Church matters; instead,
let your humility shine before others. Those who place their trust in God, and
satisfy the people are blessed. May God bless them."

"Forgiveness is strength. It gives a person good name. It is the distinguishing
feature of righteous people."

REGULAR COLUMNS

Health Tip: Health Impact of Food Colorings and Natural Alternatives

Food colorings may contribute to ADHD in children

Dear EarthTalk: Ever since the red dye #2 scare in the 1970s I've been wary of
using food colorings or buying food that appears to contain them. Are there
natural and healthy food colorings? -- Nancy McFarlane, Methuen, MA

Many of us are still wary of food dyes because of reports about links between
red dye #2 and cancer in the 1970s. While red dye #2 was subsequently banned
from products sold in the United States, many health-conscious consumers
continue to avoid foods with other artificial colors or dyes—even though the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still considers them safe for human
consumption.

But a 2010 analysis of past research on links between food dyes and health by
the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) found compelling evidence
that ingestion of artificial dyes can contribute to hyperactivity, restlessness
and attention problems in some children—particularly those with ADHD. "What's
more, the studies suggested that removing dyes from those children's diet was a
quarter to half as effective in reducing those symptoms as giving the kids
Ritalin or other stimulants," reports Nancy Cordes, CBS News' Consumer Safety
Correspondent. "In other words, certain kids with ADHD might not need drugs if
the artificial dyes were removed from their diets." Several commonly used
artificial food dyes are suspected carcinogens as well.

While it might be impossible to prevent your children from eating anything with
artificial dye, you can do your part by shopping at Whole Foods or Trader
Joe's—both chains have banned products that use artificial dyes and carry
all-natural food coloring for home cooking and baking projects.

One brand to look for is India Tree, which makes a line of food coloring derived
from vegetable colorants. The company's "Nature's Colors Natural Decorating
Colors" contain no corn syrup or synthetic dyes, and are highly recommended for
coloring icing in rich jewel tones or soft pastels.

Another company specializing in natural (as well as organic) food colors is
Nature's Flavors, whose products are widely used commercially in ice cream,
baked goods, frosting, dairy products, syrups, sauces, beverages and even hair
colors. The company recently began to sell their products to consumers, as well,
through retail stores. They use a variety of plant materials, including beets,
turmeric root, annatto seeds, purple carrot, purple cabbage, gardenia flowers,
hibiscus flowers and grape skin. "Our natural food colors are made from plants
and contain powerful antioxidants, which help the body repair itself from the
effects of oxidation," claims Nature's Flavors. "Using natural or organic food
colors may actually help the brain and slow down the effects of aging."

Another leading maker of all-natural food coloring is Chefmaster, whose products
can be found at Whole Foods and other natural and high end food retailers, as
well as on amazon.com and elsewhere online.

CPSI would like the FDA to ban eight of the most common artificial dyes, or at
least affix a warning label to products that contain them: "Warning: The
artificial coloring in this food causes hyperactivity and behavioral problems in
some children." In the meantime, concerned eaters should stick with products,
stores and restaurants that use natural ingredients.

Source: EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a
registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine.

Recipe: Orange And Spinach Salad

by Dr. Shila Mathew, MD., Food and Living Editor, Malankara World

TOPPING:

1/3 C sugar
4 tsp water
1/2 C sliced almonds

Have a square of cooking sprayed foil set aside.

In a small skillet or pan, heat the sugar and water until it turns a golden
color and syrupy. Stir so it doesn't burn. Add almonds. Stir a few seconds until
they are golden. Spread out onto the sprayed foil to cool.

FYI, use a small aluminum skillet. For some reason my small 6" cast iron skillet
soaks up the water and the sugar crystallizes rather than turning to syrup.

Put salad into bowl. Toss with the dressing. Break up the almond topping and
sprinkle on top. Serve immediately.

Family: The Things We Do for Love

By James A. Harnish

Scripture: Genesis 29:1-30

I want to begin today with some powerful words from the British writer, Evelyn
Underhill. She was one of the most influential writers on Christian spirituality
in the first half of this century.

"Redemption does not mean you and me made safe and popped into heaven. It means
that each soul, redeemed from self-interest by the revelation of Divine Love, is
taken and used again for the spread of that redeeming work." (Christian Century,
October 31, 1990, p. 997)

"Redeemed from self-interest by the revelation of Divine Love." Those words
caught my attention because that is exactly what happens in the story of Jacob.

The first thing the Bible tells us about Jacob is that he was a two-timing,
deceitful, manipulative crook. He was born grasping his twin brother's heel, and
that's exactly how he lived his life: grasping for all he could get by his own
ingenuity and power. He
tricked his brother, deceived his father, and finally had to run for his life to
escape his brother's anger. Then, as a man on the lam, he had a dream of a
ladder connecting heaven and earth. For the first time in his manipulative,
self-centered life, he began to realize that God might be actively involved in
his human experience. How he lived his life on earth might actually have some
connection with God's purpose in heaven. It was a revelation of God's presence
with him.

But God's transforming power is never just a deal between God and myself. It's
not just "me and Jesus." Redemption, the fulfillment of God's saving purpose,
always involves other people. God's transforming work in Jacob's life takes on a
whole new meaning when he sees Rachel. For the first time in his self-absorbed,
self-centered, self-satisfying life, he sees another person not as something to
be used, but as someone to be loved.

Now when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother's brother Laban, and the
sheep of his mother's brother Laban, Jacob went up and rolled the stone from the
well's mouth, and watered the flock of his mother's brother Laban. Then Jacob
kissed Rachel, and wept aloud.

My guess is that it was the first good cry of his life. Love will do that to
you. Love can move us to tears, weeping for all the joy we have discovered and
weeping for all that we have lost. For the first time, Jacob saw another human
being not as something to be used for his own self-centered purpose, but as
someone to be loved simply for who she was.

A few weeks ago, I returned to Asbury College for my thirtieth class reunion.
They had invited me to preach in the chapel where we were required to attend
services three times a week when I was a student there. We got three absences
each quarter. I heard more sermons than I can count, and very few that I can
remember. Among the few I remember, was a preacher who focused the theme of the
sermon in these words: "People are meant to be loved, things are meant to be
used. Don't get them turned around."

Most of the problems in this world are rooted in our self-centered, sinful
tendency to get those backwards and started loving things and using people. We
love our things. We love money. We lust for it; we have a passion for it. We
love our cars. If someone backs into the side of our car, they might as well
have backed into us. We love power, prestige, social status, property and
wealth. We love our things.

The tragic tendency is to start using people to get them. And it always results
in death. It results in the death of that part of us that is most like the image
of God because God created us to live the other way around. People are mea nt to
be loved; things are meant to be used. Get that turned backwards and all hell
breaks loose. But when we begin to reorient our lives around loving others and
using things, all the power of heaven is released in our lives.

Something like that happened for Jacob when he saw Rachel. It is the first time
in his story that he actually does something for someone else. He rolls the
stone away from the well and waters the sheep of his uncle Laban. Jacob offers
to work for seven years for Rachel's hand in marriage. He worked for seven years
for Rachel, but the Genesis writer says, "they seemed to him but a few days
because of the love he had for her." It's one of the most beautiful verses in
Genesis.

The Disciple Bible Study scholars here know there is more to the story. When
Jacob runs into Laban, for the first time in his life he meets someone who can
out-manipulate him. The wedding comes. Laban presents the bride with the
traditional veil over her head. The Bible says Jacob "went in to her" and the
next morning, he pulled back the veil to find Leah, the older sister. Laban
says, "No problem, just work seven more years and you can have Rachel." So,
Jacob ends up working fourteen years for Rachel, but it seemed like a few days
because of the love he had for her.

Have you noticed that when you love you want to find a way to serve? If you love
someone else, you will do for them things that you would never do for any other
reason. Have you ever noticed how different it is to change your own baby's
diapers than it is to change someone else's baby's diapers? Same diapers. Same
stuff inside. But a very different experience. You'll do things for love that
you would never do for money.

I've seen it in the long haul of marriages where the going really got tough and
one partner learned to care for the other in ways they never would have
imagined. They do things for each other because of love that they would not do
for any other reason. It is amazing how we learn to serve and how we have
learned to love. Maybe that's what the writer of 1 John was talking about when
he wrote: "For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another. We know that we have passed from death to life because
we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. We know love by
this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for
one another."

How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother
or sister in need and yet refuses help? The redeeming power of the gospel
creates in us a desire to serve others, to give of ourselves. And it is the only
way I know for any of us to be released from the addiction of our own
selfishness. It is the only way I know to be set free from the narrow bondage of
self-absorption. It is the only way that we can redeemed from self-interest by
the revelation of divine love and thereby be used to extend that redemption to
others.

But how does that happen in practical terms? Just the other day I was reading a
sermon by my good friend, Phil Roughton, the pastor at First Church, Ormond
Beach, in which Phil offered three steps toward that kind of transformation.
They are so simple and clear that I want to offer them to you.

1. Look for opportunities to step outside yourself.

Jacob saw Rachel and it moved him beyond himself toward someone else. How long
has it been since you intentionally looked for an opportunity to step outside
your ordinary experience and into the experience of someone else?

In the sanctuary services today we are hearing the music of the Haitian Men's A
Cappella Choir from Miami. Try to feel what it means to be a Haitian refugee who
comes to Florida. Try to experience the culture, this community through the
experience of someone else.

2. Listen to people.

Do you realize how much we talk and how little we listen? Did you notice the
number of questions Jacob asks in this passage? That's unusual for him. He's
usually in charge. But here he is asking questions and listening for the answer.
We need to learn to listen, really listen to others.

3. Put something you want on hold.

Jacob had to wait seven years, and then, because Laban tricked him, he had to
work another seven. Fourteen years, all together, he put his desires on hold for
someone else. My guess is that it took fourteen years for God to work the
transforming process that enabled Jacob to become a person of love who could
give himself to someone else. That's almost incomprehensible for us in our
instant gratification culture. It takes time for most of us to learn to put our
own desires on hold for the sake of someone else.

Redemption . . . means that each soul, redeemed from self-interest by the
revelation of Diving Love, is taken and used for the spread of that redeeming
work.

It begins at this table where we receive the gifts of God's redeeming love and
see the way God has given Himself to us in Jesus Christ. It is the redeeming
love that can transform your life.

Before our wedding, my husband and I decided to read through the Catechism's
treatment of the sacrament of marriage. Though the entire chapter was deeply
moving, we were particularly taken by a quote which now hangs framed on our
living room wall:

[Young husbands should say to their wives] I have taken you in my arms, and I
love you, and I prefer you to my life itself. For the present life is nothing,
and my most ardent dream is to spend it with you in such a way that we may be
assured of not being separated in the life reserved for us…. I place your love
above all things, and nothing would be more bitter or painful to me than to be
of a different mind than you.

We were surprised to find that the poetic advice was attributed to a 4th century
monk, priest and Bishop – St. John Chrysostom.

St. John was born in 344 in the city of Antioch. He was raised by his virtuous
young mother, Anthusa, who was widowed at a young age. St. John began his
education under the tutelage of pagan orator, Libanius, but through the study of
the Scriptures, heard the call to a monastic vocation. St. John lived as a
mountain anchorite for six years before illness forced him to return to the
city. After twenty years of pastoral service in Antioch, St. John was called to
Constantinople where he was consecrated Bishop in 398. St. John's episcopal
tenure was fraught with difficulty and suffering. The saintly Bishop despised
the opulence of the imperial court and his impassioned homilies on charity,
justice, and chastity irritated his wealthy congregants. His most outspoken
opponents – Theophilus, archbishop of Alexandria, and Empress Euxodia –
eventually had St. John banished from Constantinople and he died in exile in
407.

Though he began his religious life with the ascetic silence of an anchorite, St.
John quickly earned the nickname "golden tongue" for his energetic sermons. One
of his greatest contributions to the Church is a series of homilies on marriage
and family life which my husband and I discovered through our reading of the
Catechism.

St. John's earliest works focus on consecrated virginity, but his years of
pastoral experience in Antioch made him a great defender of the sacrament of
marriage. His homilies address dangerous trends in the early Church which
threatened to undermine the sanctity of marriage. He denounced as heretical the
view that sex is an evil necessary only for procreation with poignant words
about the Trinitarian and ecclesiastical significance of married love. He taught
that married couples who lived their vocation to the fullest would "rival the
holiest monks" in their perfection. Additionally, St. John sternly warned his
congregants to purge their marriages and homes of worldly excesses and live
lives of simplicity and charity.

St. John's fourth century teachings on marriage and family life are remarkably
relevant to today. Consider, for instance, what the "golden tongue" has to say
about weddings and receptions:

"When you prepare for a wedding, don't run to your neighbors' houses borrowing
extra mirrors, or spend endless hours worrying about dresses. A wedding is not a
pageant or theatrical performance…Let there be no drunkenness at the banquets
and suppers, but an abundance of spiritual joy. Think of the many good things
that will result from weddings like this!"

One can only imagine what he would have to say about the exorbitant wedding
industry of the 21st century.

The wedding should set the tone for the marriage, St. John explains. The
Christian couple should invite Christ to be their guest and trust that the
Divine visitor will work in their lives a greater miracle than he did at Cana.

St. John's marriage theology is based on the Pauline epistles. In his
exploration of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, St. John distinguishes
between the roles of husband and wife:

Paul has already laid the foundations of marital love, and has assigned to
husband and wife each his proper place: to the husband one of leader and
provider, and to the wife one of submission.

St. John's treatment of wifely submission and obedience is short. He reminds the
couple that in the home, as with the Church, it is necessary to have one
authority for peace to reign. A wife should gladly put herself at the service of
her husband because they are one body. Lest she resent her role, St. John
reminds her:

If you think that the wife is the loser because she is told to fear her husband,
remember that the principal duty of love is assigned to the husband and you will
see that it is her gain.

Then, the "golden tongue" turns his attention to husbands:

You have heard how important obedience is…now listen to what he [St. Paul]
requires from you…You have seen the amount of obedience necessary; now hear
about the amount of love necessary.

Modern Christian writers devote whole books to the subject of submission, but
St. John takes a different approach. In his estimation, where loves reigns
supreme, all else will fall into place. So, he exhorts the husband to, "Be
responsible for the same providential care of her, as Christ is for the Church.
And even if it becomes necessary for you to give your life for her, yes, and
even to endure and undergo suffering of any kind, do not refuse," for, "There is
no influence more powerful than the bond of love, especially for husband and
wife."

A husband and wife who love each other well, who strive for oneness in heart and
mind, will see the outpouring of their unity bear fruit in children. Again, St.
John emphasizes the primacy of love in the family, saying: "When we teach our
children to be good, to be gentle, to be forgiving (all these are attributes of
God), to be generous, to love their fellow men, to regard this present age as
nothing, we instill virtue in their souls and reveal the image of God in them."

St. John's homilies show that the challenges faced by the contemporary family
are much the same as they were in the early Church. Because the family is the
Church in miniature and the most perfect image of God's love on earth, it will
always draw the devil's attention. Satan hates marriage, because as St. John
observes, "the love of husband and wife is the force that welds society
together."

As the Synod on Marriage and Family life approaches let us pray, through the
intercession of St. John Chrysostom, for a deeper understanding of the sacrament
of matrimony and the courage to embrace the authentic freedom offered from
Christ through a living-out of the married vocation.

Source: Catholic Exchange

Become The Person You Most Want To Be

by Wes Hopper

"By recording your dreams and
goals on paper, you set in motion
the process of becoming the person
you most want to be."
Mark Victor Hansen

I think we all recognize the value of having goals to
work on, but we need to do more than just pay lip
service to the idea if we want results.

Here are some suggestions. First, choose a goal
for each major area of your life. Your career, your
relationship, your health, your recreation or
whatever the important areas are for you.

Choose just one specific goal in each area. Too
many goals and your energy is scattered.

Next, write out in detail what it will look like to
have that goal fulfilled. Spend time visualizing the
goal fulfilled. Don't worry about how it will get
done, just visualize it as done and get familiar with
how that feels.

Write a short note to yourself each week about
what you did toward achieving each goal. This
keeps the goals in your conscious attention.

As Mark Victor Hansen points out, just having the
goals on paper is a great foundation for the
process of achieving them.

The confident visualizing supports your progress
as well as giving your mind the opportunity to
serve up ideas on what to do next.

Make 2014 the year you become who you most
want to be.

Source: Gratitude

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